Expect the Unexpected
We did a classic Nepal triangle trip of Kathmandu, Chitwan and Pokhara. I must admit that all have their own charm that very few places can achieve at the same time. Read on, you will see why I have the nerve to say so.
Kathmandu
It is in Kathmandu that the saying "the first impression is a lasting impression" holds true for me. The city is massive, nestled in a green valley surrounded by enormous mountains. A quick drive from the airport to the town left me with amazement at the red-brick houses, people's smiling faces as well as roaming cattle and busy traffic yes, it's like what you saw in a movie or that while things are more sophisticated when you are actually there!
In Kathmandu we spotted a riot of colours on the street walls murals depicting symbols, people, animals and creative images, for up to the stretch of more than a mile. We were told that street art is on the rise, as local and international artists are setting up projects in Nepal to send out messages of man-made beauty.
Nepal was never colonized. Before the unification in the 18th century it was ruled under several kings, who built three splendid Durbar Squares as royal palaces, which all are now monument zones of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Kathmandu Valley. The one we visited, Patan Durbar Square, is really impressive.
The peaceful palace courtyards contain various well-preserved pagodas and stone temples. Our private guide Kshitij did a good job explaining functions of the beautiful wood carving, symbols and ornaments. With his rich knowledge, the ancient site was brought to life. As we walked through, flocks of pigeons circled above the monuments, making a fascinating picture before us.
Perhaps due to the off season, Durbar Squares are not so much touristy sites as where the local watch the time away. We had the chance to interact with a group of college students who were taking a break. What they firmly believe in somewhat blew us: skill is more important than education in today's Nepal.
I was also struck by the fact that the Nepalis see death as an everyday experience when in Pashupatinath Temple, one of the seven UNESCO World Heritage Monuments. The temple is a place where people bring the dead for outdoor cremation on the Bagmati River. Instead of feeling grisly, I found it rather calm. And most peculiarly, the family didn't mind our being there.
We ran into a few families holding memorial ceremony for the deceased, such as making unique offering and shaving the male relatives' hair.
Pashupatinath is where you encounter genuine sadhus dressed in colourful yellow and orange robes with ashes and long hair and beard. It's worth taking photograph with them.
Besides much history and culture, Kathmandu has earned its name for fantastic nightlife in Thamel, an active hub full of life, restaurants and shops. The area is as safe as anywhere we went in Nepal. We saw many local people hang out here, so there is no way that you would feel as in a touristy place at all.
Chitwan
We explored the wild jungle in Chitwan. Here we got close to numbers of wildlife, including single-horned rhino, a couple of deer, wild boars, monkeys and countless beautiful birds.
Chitwan National Park covers a vast area. Today, it offers dozens of jungles activities, such as Jeep safari, canoeing, jungle walk and cycling around the village. We were the only group that did boat ride that afternoon - what a privilege to enjoy the whole tranquil view of the lake and the surroundings!
In short, Chitwan is a perfect place for physically active travelers to discover the undisturbed vestiges of wild species. The other perfect one we know is probably in South Africa.
Pokhara
Is there any place better than Pokhara in the world? Not in my dictionary anyway. Located around 200 km west of Kathmandu, Pokhara offers an entirely different picture from the populated capital: Clean streets, snow mountains, laid-back atmosphere and adventure choices.
The centre of the small city is dominated by the majestically beautiful Phewa Lake, from where we could get a clear view of the snow-capped mountains of Annapurna range. Many lakeside hotels have rooms that you can see the range even from bed - ask your travel consultant to arrange one!
It seems you can't escape Annapurna no matter where you go in Pokhara, but we couldn't get enough. An easy walk up to a hill where the World Peace Pagoda was built atop brought us a gorgeous view of the white ranges and the entire Pokhara. Simply mind-blowing!
In addition to trekking, Pokhara is arguably the world's best paragliding venue, which we don't doubt after a bold try. Soaring with birds with spectacular scenery is something I will never forget.
We spent the early morning of the last day in Pokhara at Sarangkot, a village known as the best place to watch the breathtaking sunrise across the Annapurna Himalaya. I could never believe sunrise could be that incredible before I went here. The snow-capped mountains were painted purple pink to gold, and the whole valley downhill awoke as the sun slowly came out.
I almost cried when the departure was due. If possible I would love to revisit in a heartbeat. Nepal is by no means a place you should avoid because of media hoaxes. And I am sure the western visitors we stumbled into on the way will see eye to eye with us.
A. Complete the sentences below with the correct words from the text.
a. The village nestled comfortably among the hills. |
b. The garden was a riot of colour. |
c. Sophie liked cooking, gardening and painting alike. |
d. Prita screamed loudly when she saw the creepy spider on her foot. |
e. This is an opportunity to study in such a resourceful school. |
f. He showed no hint of regret for his crime. |
g. We have been the victim of a computer virus attack. |
h. We were never colonized by any foreign country. |
B. Read the text again and find where a traveller can do the following things. Then put a tick mark (O) in the correct table.
S.N. | Activities | Kathmandu | Pokhara | Chitwan |
| Enjoy a collection of different colors | ✔ | | |
a | Cycle around the village | | | ✔ |
b | Visit Durbar squares | ✔ | | |
c | Go paragliding | | ✔ | |
d | Hang out with local people even at night | ✔ | | |
e | Meet sadhus and take photographs with them | ✔ | | |
f | Walk up to the hill and view the Himalayan ranges | | ✔ | |
g | Watch the sunrise | | ✔ | |
C. Answer these questions
a. What are the three things that amazed the writer in Kathmandu? |
Answer: The writer was amazed by the massive city nestled in a green valley surrounded by enormous mountains, the vibrant street art depicting symbols and creative images, and the beautiful wood carvings and stone temples in Patan Durbar Square. |
b. What indicates that street art is rising in Kathmandu? |
Answer: The presence of murals on the street walls depicting symbols, people, animals, and creative images, stretching for more than a mile, indicates the rising trend of street art in Kathmandu. |
c. Name the two World Heritage Monuments located in Kathmandu. |
Answer: The two World Heritage Monuments located in Kathmandu are the three splendid Durbar Squares (royal palaces) built by several kings before the unification in the 18th century, namely Patan Durbar Square and the other two not specifically mentioned in the text. |
d. How do the Nepalis perceive death, according to the writer? |
Answer: According to the writer, the Nepalis perceive death as an everyday experience, as seen in the Pashupatinath Temple where people bring the dead for outdoor cremation, and the writer found it calm and even peculiar that the families didn't mind their presence. |
e. What two special things does the writer mention about the Pashupatinath Temple? |
Answer: The writer mentions that the Pashupatinath Temple is a place where people bring the dead for outdoor cremation on the Bagmati River, and it is also where genuine sadhus dressed in colorful robes with ashes and long hair and beard can be encountered. |
f. What does Chitwan National Park offer to its visitors? |
Answer: Chitwan National Park offers its visitors various wildlife experiences, including close encounters with single-horned rhinos, deer, wild boars, monkeys, and countless beautiful birds. |
g. Whom does the writer recommend to visit Chitwan? |
Answer: The writer recommends physically active travelers to visit Chitwan. |
h. Write any two things that visitors can do in Pokhara. |
Answer: Visitors in Pokhara can enjoy the clean streets, snow-capped mountains, and a laid-back atmosphere, as well as engage in trekking and paragliding, which are mentioned as two special activities. |
i. What is Sarangkot known for? |
Answer: Sarangkot is known for being the best place to watch the breathtaking sunrise across the Annapurna Himalaya. |
j. How did the writer feel when he was leaving Nepal? |
Answer: When leaving Nepal, the writer felt a strong desire to revisit in a heartbeat and believed that Nepal should not be avoided due to media hoaxes, suggesting a sense of sadness or attachment to the country. |
Word Meaning
A (Word + Phonetic Transcription) |
triangle-trip /ˈtraɪˌæŋɡəl trɪp/ |
A trip that involves visiting three places in the shape of a triangle. |
admit /ədˈmɪt/ |
acknowledge, confess |
To accept or acknowledge something to be true or valid. |
charm /tʃɑːrm/ |
attraction, appeal |
The quality of being delightful, attractive, or pleasing. |
nerve /nɜːrv/ |
courage, boldness |
The courage or audacity to say or do something. |
impression /ɪmˈprɛʃən/ |
impact, effect |
A strong effect, feeling, or opinion about someone or something. |
nestled /ˈnɛsəld/ |
snuggled, tucked |
To be comfortably and snugly positioned or situated. |
enormous /ɪˈnɔrməs/ |
huge, colossal |
Extremely large in size, quantity, or extent. |
amazement /əˈmeɪzmənt/ |
astonishment, wonder |
The feeling of being surprised or amazed. |
red-brick /rɛd brɪk/ |
Made of or constructed with red-colored bricks. |
roaming /ˈroʊmɪŋ/ |
wandering, traveling |
Moving or traveling without a fixed destination or purpose. |
sophisticated /səˈfɪstɪkeɪtɪd/ |
advanced, refined |
Highly developed, complex, or intricate. |
riot /ˈraɪət/ |
commotion, disturbance |
A violent or disorderly crowd or gathering. |
murals /ˈmjʊərəlz/ |
wall paintings, artwork |
Large-scale paintings or artwork applied directly to a wall or ceiling. |
depicting /dɪˈpɪktɪŋ/ |
portraying, illustrating |
Showing or representing in a picture or a work of art. |
stretch /strɛtʃ/ |
extent, distance |
A continuous area or length of land or water. |
colonized /ˈkɑːlənaɪzd/ |
settled, occupied |
To establish control over a territory or people and settle it with a group of individuals from another country. |
splendid /ˈsplɛndɪd/ |
magnificent, grand |
Very impressive or magnificent. |
monument /ˈmɑːnjumənt/ |
landmark, memorial |
A structure, building, or site that is of historical, cultural, or artistic significance. |
impressive /ɪmˈprɛsɪv/ |
remarkable, imposing |
Evoking admiration, awe, or respect due to size, quality, or skill. |
pagodas /pəˈɡoʊdəz/ |
temples, shrines |
A type of tower-shaped religious building or structure, typically associated with Asian countries. |
grisly /ˈɡrɪzli/ |
gruesome, macabre |
Causing horror or disgust; involving or depicting violence or death. |
peculiarly /pɪˈkjuːliərli/ |
strangely, unusually |
In a strange or unusual manner; distinctively or uniquely. |
deceased /dɪˈsist/ |
dead, departed |
A person who has died. |
encounter /ɪnˈkaʊntər/ |
meet, come across |
To meet or come across someone or something unexpectedly. |
genuine /ˈdʒɛnjʊɪn/ |
authentic, real |
Truly what it is said to be; authentic or real. |
sadhus /ˈsɑːduːz/ |
holy men, ascetics |
Hindu religious ascetics who have renounced worldly possessions and live a life of meditation and spiritual practice. |
robes /roʊbz/ |
garments, attire |
Clothing, especially a long, loose outer garment worn by a specific group or profession. |
privilege /ˈprɪvəlɪdʒ/ |
advantage, benefit |
A special right, advantage, or benefit granted to a person or a group. |
tranquil /ˈtræŋkwɪl/ |
peaceful, calm |
Free from disturbance or turmoil; calm and serene. |
vestiges /ˈvɛstɪdʒɪz/ |
remnants, traces |
Trace or remnant of something that is disappearing or no longer exists. |
dominated /ˈdɑːmɪneɪtɪd/ |
controlled, governed |
To have control, influence, or power over something. |
snow-capped /ˈsnoʊ kæpt/ |
snow-covered, snowy |
Covered with a cap or layer of snow. |
escape /ɪsˈkeɪp/ |
avoid, elude |
To get away or avoid something or someone. |
atop /əˈtɒp/ |
on top of, above |
Situated on or at the top of something. |
gorgeous /ˈɡɔːrdʒəs/ |
beautiful, stunning |
Extremely beautiful or attractive. |
arguably /ˈɑːrɡjuːəbli/ |
possibly, debatably |
Used when giving an opinion or argument that is not necessarily a fact. |
venue /ˈvɛnjuː/ |
location, site |
A place where an event or activity is happening or takes place. |
soaring /ˈsɔːrɪŋ/ |
flying, gliding |
Flying or gliding at a great height or in a majestic manner. |
spectacular /spɛkˈtækjələr/ |
impressive, breathtaking |
Strikingly beautiful or impressive; causing wonder or awe. |
scenery /ˈsiːnəri/ |
landscape, view |
The natural features of a landscape, considered in terms of their appearance and overall effect. |
incredible /ɪnˈkrɛdəbəl/ |
unbelievable, astonishing |
Impossible or difficult to believe; extraordinary. |
awoke /əˈwoʊk/ |
awakened, stirred |
To wake up or become conscious. |
hoaxes /hoʊksɪz/ |
deceptions, pranks |
Deliberate acts of trickery or deception intended to deceive or play a practical joke. |
Extra Questions to Practice
Expandable FAQ Section
What are the three places included in the Nepal triangle-trip mentioned in the text?
▼
The three places included in the Nepal triangle-trip are Kathmandu, Chitwan, and Pokhara.
What is the writer's first impression of Kathmandu?
▼
The writer's first impression of Kathmandu is that it is a massive city nestled in a green valley surrounded by enormous mountains.
What does the writer find impressive about Patan Durbar Square in Kathmandu?
▼
The writer finds Patan Durbar Square in Kathmandu really impressive because of its well-preserved pagodas and stone temples.
What indicates that street art is on the rise in Nepal?
▼
The presence of murals on the street walls in Kathmandu indicates that street art is on the rise in Nepal.
How do the Nepalis perceive death according to the writer?
▼
According to the writer, the Nepalis perceive death as an everyday experience, as seen in the Pashupatinath Temple where outdoor cremations take place.
What does Chitwan National Park offer to visitors?
▼
Chitwan National Park offers visitors the opportunity to see wildlife, including rhinos, deer, wild boars, monkeys, and various bird species.
Whom does the writer recommend to visit Chitwan?
▼
The writer recommends physically active travelers to visit Chitwan.
What two special activities can visitors do in Pokhara?
▼
Visitors in Pokhara can engage in trekking and paragliding, which are mentioned as two special activities.
What is Sarangkot known for?
▼
Sarangkot is known as the best place to watch the breathtaking sunrise across the Annapurna Himalaya.
How does the writer feel when leaving Nepal?
▼
When leaving Nepal, the writer feels a strong desire to revisit and believes that Nepal should not be avoided due to media hoaxes.
What are the three World Heritage Monuments in the Kathmandu Valley?
▼
The three World Heritage Monuments in the Kathmandu Valley are the Durbar Squares of Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur.
What do the street art murals in Kathmandu depict?
▼
The street art murals in Kathmandu depict symbols, people, animals, and creative images.
How is the nightlife in Thamel, Kathmandu described?
▼
The nightlife in Thamel, Kathmandu is described as fantastic with its lively atmosphere, restaurants, and shops.
What can be seen from the Phewa Lake in Pokhara?
▼
From the Phewa Lake in Pokhara, one can get a clear view of the snow-capped mountains of the Annapurna range.
What special view does a hill walk to the World Peace Pagoda in Pokhara offer?
▼
A hill walk to the World Peace Pagoda in Pokhara offers a gorgeous view of the white ranges and the entire Pokhara.
What is one special activity to do in Chitwan National Park?
▼
One special activity to do in Chitwan National Park is a jeep safari to explore the wildlife.
How does the writer describe the atmosphere in Pokhara?
▼
The writer describes the atmosphere in Pokhara as laid-back and with clean streets.
What do the Nepalis believe about the Bagmati River in Kathmandu?
▼
The Nepalis believe that the Bagmati River in Kathmandu has sacred and purifying qualities.
What do visitors have the chance to see at the Pashupatinath Temple?
▼
Visitors have the chance to see outdoor cremations and genuine sadhus at the Pashupatinath Temple.
How does the writer describe the sunrise view from Sarangkot?
▼
The writer describes the sunrise view from Sarangkot as breathtaking and overlooking the Annapurna Himalaya.